Steven Gerrard did the best he could as skipper of the Three Lions team, but his best wasn’t enough to secure them a spot in the semis.

His performances were better than his teammates', but certainly his class has gone down by several notches. Gerrard struggled for the possession of the ball and his passes were too inaccurate at times.

Clearly, age has gotten to him. And it won’t be long before the Liverpool skipper’s club performance levels begin to drop as well, until such a day when his services will no longer be required.

Gerrard, from a personal point of view, is the greatest player to have ever played for Liverpool. But the fact remains that Liverpool—beginning now—should prepare for life without Gerrard.

Gerrard has been the talisman for LFC for so long, but the time is now right to look for the next person strong enough to carry the club on his own.

Andy Carroll

For the record, Andy Carroll, currently isn’t anywhere near the potential that would make him a talismanic player for any club, let alone Liverpool.

But the former Newcastle striker can work his way into becoming one if he starts firing on all cylinders.

If Andy Carroll were to show the potential of 2010—which also made him the most expensive British player—then there is no one at Merseyside who wouldn’t take him to heart.

And if Carroll is able to sustain that level of performance for his club, then there is no doubt that he can become a talismanic player like Liverpool's former number 9’s in Fernando Torres, Robbie Fowler, Ian Rush and Ian St. John did before him.

Luis Suarez

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Ambitious, confident, extremely talented, leader, controversial and at times volatile—these few terms can best describe Luis Suarez.

Suarez filled the void created by Fernando Torres’ departure to Chelsea and was already on his way to become the club’s driving force until controversies stalled his ascent and divided opinions amongst people.

What attracts Liverpool supporters to Suarez?

He is the kind of trickster that they’ve been yearning for. His ability to jink and nutmeg defenders, his passion to play and fighting spirit is what appeals to supporters.

He has lead from the front during his time at Ajax and it is this champion’s mentality and the hunger to succeed that serves him well as a suitable candidate to be the next talismanic Liverpool player.